Tuesday, December 30, 2014

AP Christmas Stories: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy "Tidings of Comfort and Joy"


Blurb:
Tidings of Comfort and Joy

They met during the holiday season and married in May. Jessica savored every moment of happiness with her beloved husband Johnny but their newlywed bliss is shattered when he’s caught in a storm on the lake on the Fourth of July. First missing, then presumed dead, Johnny Devereaux appears to be gone and everyone mourns him except his wife. Jessica refuses to believe he could be dead and she steadfastly refuses to give up hope that he is alive and will return. As the months pass, each holiday is another reminder of his absence and it becomes harder to believe but she refuses to yield to despair. As his family, especially his brother Tad, struggles to accept Johnny’s death, only his great-grandmother and bride hang onto their hope. Jessica comes to believe he’ll return to her at Christmas so the holiday takes on new significance as she waits for tidings of comfort and joy.

Purchase links:
http://www.amazon.com/Tidings-Comfort-Joy-Sontheimer-Murphy-ebook/dp/B00PSOBSKO/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tidings-of-comfort-and-joy-lee-ann-sontheimer-murphey/1120792704?ean=2940150670945


Author:
Growing up in historic St. Joseph, Missouri, Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy scribbled her stories from an early age. Her first publication – a poem on the children’s page of the local newspaper – seems to have set her fate. As a full time author, she has more than two dozen full length novels published along with assorted novellas and short fiction. Her publishers include Astraea Press. A contributor to more than two dozen anthologies, her credits include Chicken Soup For The Soul among many collections of short fiction. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Missouri Writers Guild, and the Ozark Writers League. Lee Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri Southern State University as well as an Associate Degree from Crowder College. She has worked in broadcasting, retail, and other fields including education. As a wife and mother of three, she spends her days penning stories, cooking, reading, and other daily duties. She currently makes her home in the Missouri Ozarks, living in what passes for suburbs in a small town and works as a substitute teacher in the local school district.

Monday, December 29, 2014

AP Christmas Story: Mya O'Malley "If You Believe"


Blurb:

Melody considers herself lucky that she has already found love once in a lifetime. Her love story, however, abruptly came to an end; all hope of finding love again disappeared the day she lost Jack.

Jack knows that Melody’s heart is big enough to give love a second chance, the challenge lies in helping her meet just the right man. Not sure if he’s an angel or a ghost, Jack finds himself searching for a man to make Melody feel alive once more. He had no idea how difficult it would be to face his conflicting emotions while finding this man. To top it off, he only has until Christmas Eve at midnight to help Melody fall in love. 


Author:

Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters.  The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a  ragdoll cat named Colby.  Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy.   She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students. 

Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child.   Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on.  She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters.   Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica.   Mya is currently working on her fifth novel.  


 

Now available on
Amazon Barnes& Noble Smashwords

 

Excerpt:

Prologue

He stood, watching her, feeling every ounce of her pain, her anguish. He was probably the only one who understood what it was like to lose the person you loved, the person who was everything in the world to you.

If only he could just touch her, reach out to her, make her feel happy again. But that was just selfish on his part, wasn’t it? It wouldn’t be fair to Melody. Anybody could see that even three years later, she was still struggling. Hadn’t he always told her that if something happened to him, he would want her to fall in love again? It saddened him to think that if she continued down this cold and lonely path, she would be alone forever.

Melody had wanted it all, a home filled with children, a loving marriage. Thinking back to how happy they had once been, it broke his heart to see her this way, and it was always saddest to see her like this around the holidays, which were quickly approaching.

 Jack’s mind was whirling with ideas, if only…He wished that he could talk to her just one more time, but alas, that was against the rules. If only there was some way, if only he could help her see the light. The corners of Jack’s mouth crept up as his mind took hold of an impossible thought. Would he be able to pull this off? If he did, could he ever be the same again?

 
Chapter One

Melody stacked the last book on the shelf and glanced around, feeling a sense of accomplishment for a hard day’s work. Gazing around her cozy bookstore, she took in the twinkling lights and decorations that were set up to help her customers get in the mood for the festive holiday season. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Melody knew there was nothing she could do to escape the holidays. If only she could put her heart into the joyous season. Christmas had always been her favorite time of year. Well, that was when she had Jack by her side. It seemed like her life was now neatly compartmentalized—before Jack, during Jack and after Jack. Each and every one of the Christmases she had shared with Jack had been amazing. He always said that it was the time for miracles. But Melody wasn’t one to believe in magic or miracles, especially now.

“Earth to Melody!” Cassie’s green eyes shined with warmth.

“Oh. Sorry. What was it that you were saying?” Plastering a smile on her face, Melody did her best to brush her melancholy feelings aside, at least for the moment.

“I was asking if I could leave, everything seems in order.” Cassie’s eyes scanned the store.

Taking in the tiny café area, Melody noted that there were some desserts that still needed to be put away in the back room fridge. “Go ahead, I’ll get the rest.”

“Are you sure? I can stick around if you want.”

Who was she kidding? Knowing that her best friend was going out on a hot date tonight with a guy that she recently met, she figured that Cassie wanted to leap out the door.

“Nah, I got it. Go, and have a great time.” Melody knew that when she hired Cassie to be her right-hand gal, it would not be the typical employer/employee relationship. At least she could trust Cassie, though, and that was the most important thing. Besides, Melody was truly happy for Cassie. Her friend finally seemed happy after her recent breakup with Harry the Horrible, as the two women so fondly called her ex.

Approaching her friend slowly, Cassie cleared her throat. “What are your plans for the night?”

“I thought I’d just stay in, maybe catch up on some reading.” Knowing just how pathetic it sounded, Melody realized how good it was to have a friend in Cassie; she didn’t need to pretend with her.

“Mel, it’s Friday night. Are you sure you don’t want me to cancel with Trent? I mean I could…”

Brushing her long auburn hair to the side with a swipe of her hand, Melody exhaled. “Don’t you even think about it. Get out there and have a great time.”

“Love you!” Cassie winked at her friend and practically ran behind the counter to grab her bag. “Oh, and don’t wait up.” With that she was gone. Melody followed her friend’s path to the door and locked it behind her.

Not only was Cassie an employee of Melody’s, but she was also her roommate. Since Jack had passed away, Melody couldn’t stand being alone. At first, she had needed time to heal, but when time didn’t heal all wounds, Cassie had offered to help out her friend—keep her company, help with the bills. Melody couldn’t deny the fact that it wasn’t healthy to spend so much time alone, and she figured she could certainly use the extra money that her friend contributed in rent each month. Having a best friend close by was exactly what she needed, but there was that nagging feeling of guilt that had started to creep up on Melody lately. She hoped that Cassie wouldn’t feel bad when the time came to get on with her own life.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

AP Christmas Story: Lindsay Downs "A Bluestocking’s Christmas"


Blurb-

Lady Brittany Sexton loves her newest book on Africa but she quickly learns keeping it in her possession is difficult. For her, the problem lies with Lord Samuel Palmer, who believes ladies should not read inappropriate tomes. Part of Lord Palmer’s fascination is the cryptic messages found in the margins. What quickly develops between Lady Brittany and Lord Palmer is even more confusing.

As Christmas draws nearer and with the book still in her possession, Lord Palmer follows her to her parents country estate.  It’s there they, along with some friends, slowly make sense of the notes.

During all of this, Lady Brittany learns a fact about Lord Palmer that disturbs her greatly—why he desired the book. To clear her mind and think about her answer to Lord Palmer’s sudden proposal, she goes for a horseback ride, only for disaster to strike.

Once well, she returns home. Lady Brittany now has to make a life changing decision. Can she… will she marry Lord Palmer ?

 

Excerpt-

“Lady Brittany, what an unexpected pleasure meeting you. Then again, it’s well known within the ton you’re a bluestocking so I’m not that surprised on seeing you here,” he informed her with a bow.

“M’ lord, I’m truly astonished to see you at such a fine establishment as Mr. Winterbottom’s. After overhearing your conversation last night, I wasn’t sure you knew how to read. Now please remove yourself from in front of me so my maid and I may return home,” she demanded.

This time, much to her amazement, he did as asked and without saying anything until she stepped out the door and about to descend the steps.

“I hope you were able to find a book or two so you won’t be lonely at the ball this eve,” he sniped at her.

“Of course I did,” she snapped back while holding up the wrapped one on Africa.

From the expression she saw in his dark brown eyes, Brittany suspected he knew exactly what the book was but she didn’t want to say anything.

“Now, I must bid you good day m’ lord as you’ve detained me long enough and I’ve dress colours to look at and discuss. After all, isn’t that one of the few topics ladies can and are able to expound on?”

Brittany watched as he tried to say something in response to her comment. When, out of frustration all he could do was shrug his shoulders she suspected this tiny battle had been won. Turning on her heels she, with a glance to Aggie, set off for her way home.

As they fought the cold and the wind blowing down the street the heavenly scent of fresh-baked rolls caught Brittany’s attention as they came upon a tea room. With a glance to Aggie she cocked her head toward the shop.

“The fragrance of those cinnamon buns is making me hungry. Shall we stop in for tea and a bite to eat? I’m sure Lord Palmer will be rushing to find me and insist I turn over my book to him,” Brittany suggested.

“Aye m’ lady. If he’s in a rage as you suspect, he won’t be looking in the windows for you. Then, we can leisurely enjoy the offerings before returning home, where, if I don’t miss my guess, you’ll bury yourself in the book,” Aggie said in a teasing tone.

“You’re so correct. I wager we could take a front table as he won’t even look in, thus allowing us the opportunity to giggle at his antics,” Brittany said arriving at the door to the tea room.

As they stepped into the bakery they were met by a short, plump lady with rosy cheeks and her hair tied back in a bun. Behind her a young lad nervously shifted from foot to foot.

“M’ ladies, welcome to The Sweet Bun. How may I be of assistance on this cold morning?”

“May we could have a pot of tea, Earl Grey if possible, and two of those heavenly cinnamon rolls? Also, as you have a front table near the fire we would like to sit there,” Brittany answered.

“Certainly, and I’ve the tea you prefer. My son would be happy to take your pelisses,” the woman said, turning to the young boy and waving him forward.

Once relieved of their outerwear the ladies swept over to the table they’d requested. Taking a seat so she would be able to look out at the street Brittany started to unwrap her book but thought better of it.

 

Bio-

What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.

In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.

More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.

Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.

After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.

For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.

I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).

 

Where you can find Lindsay-

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/lindsay.downs.7

Facebook Pages-         https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Downs-Author/325132754200597?ref=hl

                                    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Regency-by-Lindsay-Downs/421654731286944

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn- http://www.linkedin.com/home

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3210224-lindsay

Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.weebly.com/

 

Buy Link

http://www.amazon.com/Bluestockings-Christmas-Lindsay-Downs-ebook/dp/B00PG6EENC/ref=asap_B007NQAIIS_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415750658&sr=1-4

Saturday, December 27, 2014

AP Christmas Stories: Heather Gray "Queen"


 Blurb:
You can't hide from the past.

Queen's world was shattered, and she was banished to a foreign land. Years pass before she dares to return, but what she finds is of little comfort. Greed and dishonesty have festered and grown in her absence. Disillusioned, Queen trusts few people.

Owen pursues a clandestine investigation and finds himself working side-by-side with a veritable ghost, an agent few have seen, a master of disguise known simply as Queen.  He craves her trust…but then uncovers a secret from his family's past that could destroy her.

Queen once sought refuge in America and now seeks it in disguise. Owen has always found his refuge in God, but will his faith be strong enough for the challenges ahead? Can he convince Queen to stop hiding, or is he doomed to become her most hated enemy?

 Excerpt:

"I need a favor, Peter."

The older man regarded Despiadado with affection. "Of course you do. No one rides a horse this fine into such a humble hamlet without either arrogance or need, and since you're not the arrogant type…"

The old man's words trailed off, and Owen grinned. "Sometimes horses like to visit old friends."

Peter clapped Owen on the shoulder. "Only one person's ever stopped by to visit without asking for something."

"And who's that?"

"Queen."

Owen's step faltered. Queen hadn't been mentioned in a long time. "She's active?"

Peter shrugged. "I didn't ask, and she didn't say. We went fishing and talked about nothing."

"Did she say where she was heading?"

A grunt. "Ye ain't listenin' to me, are you? I didn't ask, and she didn't tell me. It's safer that way, always has been."


Author Bio:

Heather Gray authors the Ladies of Larkspur inspirational western romance series, including Mail Order Man, Just Dessert, and Redemption.  She also writes the Regency Refuge series: His Saving Grace, Jackal, and Queen - plus contemporary titles Ten Million Reasons and Nowhere for Christmas.  Aside from a long-standing love affair with coffee, Heather’s greatest joys are her relationships with her Savior and family.  Heather loves to laugh, and this theme is prevalent in her writing where, through the highs and lows of life, her characters find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her.

 

You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywriting, http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite, and http://www.heathergraywriting.com.  She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theinspiredinkpot.

 

Buy Links:







 

Where to Find Me:






 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

AP Christmas Stories: Sherry Gloag "Vidal's Honor"

Vidal's Honor

by Sherry Gloag
 
Blurb:
Vidal is sent to Spain to rescue Honor after her husband is murdered just before the battle of Salamanca. With treasonous rumours flying, will Honor lose her head or her heart?
 
 
Purchase Links:
Amazon.com  http://tinyurl.com/bpu7o75
 Amazon.co.uk  http://tinyurl.com/cgonnnk
smashworlds  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/250882
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vidals-honor/1113726614?ean=2940015900422
Book Strand  http://www.bookstrand.com/vidals-honor
Kobo  http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Vidals-Honor/book-pGNWcYHNukSsEwGrXE4TnA/page1.html?s=_AyuW9PrgUe6i8iafiHdSw&r=9
All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-vidal039shonor-987501-152.html
Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/vidals-honor/id576509088?mt=11
 
 
About Sherry Gloag:
Best-selling author Sherry Gloag now lives in the beautiful East Anglian countryside in the UK. She spent her childhood in Scotland before moving to the Midlands of England.
After cutting her writing teeth with contemporary romance, Sherry tried her hand at light paranormal in her 2nd book of The Gasquet Princes series, His Chosen bride. Her next adventure, writing Regency stories, produced her best-selling novel, Vidal's Honor.
When she's not writing, Sherry enjoys walking gardening and her crystal craft work. "It's bit like writing :-) When you're in the 'zone' everything just flows. It's a great feeling."
 For more details visit her website at http://authorsherrygloagtheheartofroman.weebly.com/
 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

In the Kitchen for Christmas with Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy




Iced Buttermilk Brownies

 

My mom found this many years ago and our family has been making it ever since!

 

Ingredients:

What You Need (Brownies)

             Two sticks butter

             4 tablespoons cocoa

             1 cup water

             2 cups flour

             2 cups sugar

             1 teaspoon baking soda

             1 teaspoon salt

             2 eggs

             ½ cup buttermilk

             1 teaspoon vanilla

 
Buttermilk Fudge Icing:

What You Need:

             One stick butter, melted

             4 tablespoons cocoa

             1 teaspoon vanilla

             ½ cup buttermilk

             Two cups powdered sugar (or a one pound box) sifted

 


What You Do:

             Melt butter on the stovetop in a heavy saucepan and add cocoa and water. 

             Bring to a boil and pour over dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl (flour, sugar, baking soda and salt)

             Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla then stir until blended

             Pour brownie batter into large sheet cake pan

             Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes or until an inserted knife blade comes out clean

             Frost while warm with the buttermilk fudge icing -blend all ingredients into the melted butter.  Icing will be thin enough to pour.  Pour over still warm brownies and let cool to a glossy finish.

Serving suggestion:

Serve warm with vanilla or chocolate ice cream

 

 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

AP Christmas Stories: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy "The Courtship of Ebenezer Scrooge"


The Courtship of Ebenezer Scrooge
by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

 

Blurb:
Ebenezer Scrooge changed for the better after three Christmas ghosts impacted his life and heart.  His miserly ways vanished as he gained happiness and his family ties with nephew Fred have improved.  There’s something missing, however, and when Ebenezer meets Widow Abigail Collins, he realizes what he lacks.  He sets out to court Abigail, object marriage and learns the many ways love can further improve his disposition and life!

  

Purchase Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Courtship-Ebenezer-Scrooge-Sontheimer-Murphy-ebook/dp/B00ICVKTIM/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The-Courtship-of-Ebenezer-Scrooge?store=ebook&keyword=The+Courtship+of+Ebenezer+Scrooge

 

 

About Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy:

Growing up in historic St. Joseph, Missouri, Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy scribbled her stories from an early age.  Her first publication – a poem on the children’s page of the local newspaper – seems to have set her fate.  As a full time author, she has more than two dozen full length novels published along with assorted novellas and short fiction. Her publishers include Astraea Press, Evernight Publishing, and Champagne Books. A contributor to more than two dozen anthologies, her credits include Chicken Soup For The Soul among many collections of short fiction.  She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Missouri Writers Guild, and the Ozark Writers League.  Lee Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri Southern State University as well as an Associate Degree from Crowder College.  She has worked in broadcasting, retail, and other fields including education.  As a wife and mother of three, she spends her days penning stories, cooking, reading, and other daily duties.  She currently makes her home in the Missouri Ozarks, living in what passes for suburbs in a small town.

 

Saturday, December 13, 2014

AP Christmas Stories: E.A West "Trust of the Heart" & "Running from Christmas"


Author bio:

 
E.A. West, award-winning author of sweet and inspirational romance, is a lifelong lover of books and storytelling. In high school, she picked up her pen in a creative writing class and hasn’t laid it down yet. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, knitting, and crocheting. She lives in Indiana with her family and a small zoo of pets.

 
For more information visit: http://eawest.mcphitty.com

 

Trust of the Heart (Veteran Hearts, Book 2)
 

Blurb:

Josh Teague has dark memories from his time in Iraq. While he longs to share the burden of those memories with someone, he is afraid they will scare his girlfriend. Unwilling to risk losing her, he keeps the memories to himself and tries to keep a cheerful attitude despite the holiday season threatening to bring his mood down.

Leann Robak has her own set of memories causing trouble. Abandoned by her father when she was ten, she is devastated when her mother announces she’s taking a month-long trip to Europe over Christmas. Although Josh’s invitation to spend Christmas with him at his parents’ house holds exciting prospects, Leann can tell he’s hiding something from her. That knowledge leaves her wondering how well she truly knows him and whether he even wants to be in a relationship with her.

 

Buy links:

All Romance eBooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-trustoftheheart-1360185-149.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Trust-Heart-E-West-ebook/dp/B00GX0QXKW

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-of-the-heart-ea-west/1117505017?ean=2940148988632

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/trust-of-the-heart/id766903499

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/trust-of-the-heart-1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/382020

 

Running from Christmas

 
Blurb:

Army veteran Alessandra Castillo just wants to be left alone. Life has been tough since her deployment in Afghanistan, and the holiday season makes it even more difficult. Unemployed and homeless, she’s currently living with her brother, who refuses to let her avoid all things social.

Enter Brad Kovac, youth pastor and good friend of Alessandra’s brother. He’s tall, gorgeous, and outgoing, three things guaranteed to catch Alessandra’s interest. At least they would have caught her interest before she survived an assault by a fellow soldier. Now all she wants to do is run from him and avoid anything resembling a relationship.

Will God provide a miracle in time for Christmas, or will Alessandra lose her chance for romance?

 

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Running-Christmas-E-West-ebook/dp/B00OPFM5YU

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/running-from-christmas-e-a-west/1120611045?ean=2940150496071

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/running-from-christmas/id932083826

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/running-from-christmas

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/486701

Thursday, December 11, 2014

In the Kitchen for Christmas with Frank Borne

 

Broccoli Salad


6 broccoli crowns (wash, then cut into florets)
1 bag slivered almonds
1 box of raisins (or half of a round cylindrical container)(I used the Great Value brand from Wal-Mart)
2 small bags of real bacon pieces (I used the Great Value brand from Wal-Mart)
1 red onion diced small
Dressing: 2 cups mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons white vinegar, and 16 packets of Splenda
All comes together in 10 minutes. I chill it overnight before serving.
Right before serving, mix everything one more time.

Shrimp & Artichoke Dip


2 8-oz. packages of cream cheese
2 lb. shrimp
2 cans artichoke hearts
1 yellow onion
Tony Cachere’s
butter
parsley
liquid smoke
garlic
crustini
Sautee the onion and about ¼ cup minced garlic in butter or margarine. Add the artichoke hearts until tender, then add the shrimp. After shrimp have turned pink, add the cream cheese and parsley, a dash of liquid smoke, and a dash of Tony Cachere’s. Serve warm with crustini. Substitute crab meat as an alternative.




Artichoke Casserole

2 cans artichoke hearts
1 cup bread crumbs
1 ½ cups Italian grated cheese
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup minced garlic
1 yellow onion
1 bunch green onions
1 egg
½ cup milk
Puree half the artichoke hearts and the yellow onion. Add the puree to all other ingredients, and mix thoroughly. Bake 325 degrees with foil cover for ½ hour. Remove foil for another ½ hour.
Note…I always double this recipe.
Credit: Penny Des Roches, Archbishop Shaw High School “Eagle’s Delight” Cook Book, 1988



Oven-Roasted Turkey

Force ¼ cup of butter or margarine between the skin and breast meat. Coat turkey with Tony Cachere’s, and drizzle olive oil all over turkey. In cavity and around turkey, add chopped yellow onion, bell pepper, garlic cloves, and green onion. Tent with foil for 3 hours, uncover for remaining time (about 3 hours). 300 degrees until timer pops up.
Crawfish Pasta
2 lbs. peeled crawfish
2 pints heavy whipping cream
1 box shell pasta
1 cup Parmesan cheese
Butter
Tony Cachere’s
1 yellow onion
1 bunch green onions
1 bell pepper
garlic
Sautee the onion, bell pepper, green onions, and about ¼ cup minced garlic in olive oil. Add crawfish and ½ cup butter, then season with Tony Cachere’s and add the prepared pasta. Add whipping cream. Simmer until mixture thickens, then add Parmesan cheese. Substitute shrimp for an alternative.


Ground Meat Dirty Rice

3 lbs. ground meat
1 small bag rice
Tony Cachere’s
1 yellow onion
1 bunch green onions
1 bell pepper
garlic
Sautee the onion, bell pepper, green onions, and about ¼ cup minced garlic in olive oil. Add ground meat and stir until brown. Add cooked rice. Season to taste with Tony Cachere’s.


Apple Cream Cheese Caramel Dip

2 large packages Philadelphia cream cheese
2 red apples
2 green apples
1 container caramel
1 can pineapple juice
Nestle mini chocolate chips
Heath toffee chips
¼ cup Brown sugar
1 tablespoon Cinnamon
Red, white, and green sprinkles
Mix cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Create a base of cream cheese in a serving platter, then cover with the container of caramel. After the caramel, thoroughly cover with a layer of toffee chips, then the chocolate chips. Add sprinkles. Slice 2 red apples and 2 green apples in thin slices. Dunk the apple slices in pineapple juice (to prevent browning), then place on perimeter of the dip. Alternate the red and green apple slices. Refrigerate until serving.



Cold Pasta Salad

1 pack colored (vegetable) corkscrew pasta
1 can black olives
2 avocados
1 small pack sliced raw mushrooms
1 small bottle Italian dressing (approximate)
1 large container grape tomatoes
1 cup Parmesan cheese
Boil pasta, allow to cool. Add olives, tomatoes (sliced in half), cheese, and dressing. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate. Just prior to serving, stir all ingredients to reincorporate the dressing, then add the mushrooms and avocados (add at last minute to prevent from turning brown). Top with a dusting of cheese.


Rum Chocolate Cherries

1 jar Maraschino cherries with stems
1 bag candy melts or chocolate
Rum!
Marinate cherries in rum or alcohol of choice (amaretto, vodka, etc.) for several hours. Dip cherries one at a time into melted candy melts or chocolate, place on wax paper or a plate. Chill until candy/chocolate is firm.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

AP Christmas Stories "Nowhere for Christmas"




by Heather Gray

 

Blurb:

Anything can happen on the road to Nowhere…

A journalist and single mother, Avery is used to being in control though she tries to remind her-self to let God take lead in her life. Eli, her son, is happy as long as he has his music, plenty of food, and the occasional adult on which to practice his rapier wit. Gavin, a virtual stranger, is a photojournalist who mysteriously dropped off the scene a few years ago.

The trio ends up together for a Christmas road trip to the small town of Nowhere. An eight hour drive in a rental car turns into two days of misadventure and calamity as bad luck seems to stalk them. They get a flat tire, the bumper falls off, the car overheats – and that's only the beginning! Along the way they meet some interesting people – from a bait shop owner who moonlights as a mechanic to a chatty preacher's wife and a highway patrolman whose wife and mother can't agree on the best way to remove a skunk's stink.

Hungry, cold, and tired, the three finally reach Nowhere only to discover the town is nothing like they expected. They learn that reaching their destination doesn't necessarily mean the journey has ended.

 

Purchase Links:

http://amzn.com/B00GA664GC

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nowhere-for-christmas-heather-gray/1117260698?ean=2940148719656

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/372425

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/nowhere-for-christmas

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nowhere-for-christmas/id734906115?mt=11

 

About Heather Gray:

Heather Gray authors the Ladies of Larkspur inspirational western romance series, including Mail Order Man, Just Dessert, and Redemption.  She also writes the Regency Refuge series: His Saving Grace, Jackal, and Queen - plus contemporary titles Ten Million Reasons and Nowhere for Christmas.  Aside from a long-standing love affair with coffee, Heather’s greatest joys are her relationships with her Savior and family.  Heather prefers laughing to yelling any day.  This theme is prevalent in her writing where, through the highs and lows, her characters find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her.

You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywriting, http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite, and http://www.heathergraywriting.com.  She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theinspiredinkpot.